Nature Cure

Medicinal Value of Tea

Tea is the second most popular beverage after water. Tea is nothing but the process which involves the boiling of processed leaves, twigs, buds or bushes or tea plants (camellia sinensis) in water for a few minutes. The processing stage of the tea leaves can include herbs, spices, flowers or fruits. 4 basic tea varieties include – black tea, green tea, oolong tea and white tea. Herbal teas are usually referred to solutions (oil or water) which do not contain the tea plant or camellia sinensis. Herbal teas are considered very effective in curing various human ailments like colds, flu and indigestion to name a few.

4 Basic Tea Varieties

Listed below are some 4 basic types of tea varieties:

Black Tea:

Researchers from Boston claimed that drinking 5-6 cups of black tea in one day can help boost the immunity levels. Black tea is a more oxidized version of other types of tea preparations. It also contains more caffeine than other teas. Simple black tea prepared without sugar is – low in calories, proteins, sodium (salt) and fats. Black tea prepared from the camellia tea plant is rich in polyphenols which are antioxidant properties.

Green Tea:

Green tea is prepared primarily from the Camellia Sinensis (tea plant whose buds and leaves are used to produce tea) plant. Having its origin in China, the green tea has become popular all through the globe because it can lower the risks of heart diseases and cancer.

Oolong Tea:

White Tea:

White tea is prepared from younger buds and leaves which implies that white tea is low in caffeine. Some health benefits of white tea include – contains antioxidant properties, prevents cancer, reduces the risk of diseases like hypertension, heart disease and cholesterol, contributes to healthy skin, gums, teeth and skin.

Medicinal Value of Herbal Teas

Listed below are some herbs from which tea can be prepared to alleviate both physical and mental problems:

Medicinal Value of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has created history by being the cure for stress and relieving the body from other problems like menstrual cramps and colds. Another interesting fact collected from a study carried out by Elaine Holmes, from the Imperial College (London) revealed that drinking tea prepared from German Chamomile flowers and leaves had a lasting effect on the volunteers for about 2 weeks.

Medicinal Value of Green Tea

The medicinal value of green tea is also immense. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin claim that green tea controls the spreading of prostate cancer. Asian cultures boast of the medicinal properties of green tea since 4000 years now. Experts from the University of Wisconsin also reveal that China ranks lowest in prostate cancer rates. Following behind is Japan, which reveals how Asians treat tea as a staple drink.

Medicinal Value of Betony Tea

Tea prepared from the betony herb or a simple gargle or mouthwash containing betony solution can help alleviate problems like stomach irritations, diarrhea, gum problems and mount or throat irritations.

Medicinal Value of Bayberry Tea

The medicinal value of bayberry herb is to strengthen the blood vessels and to improve the circulation of the blood. Experts opine that tea prepared from the bayberry herb can help clear vaginal infections and when gargled can also help in comforting sore throats or tonsillitis.

Medicinal Value of Bergamot Tea

The bergamot tea is also known as Oswego tea and Bee Balm. Tea prepared from the bergamot herb can help cure conditions like nausea, flu, colds and vomiting.

Medicinal Value of Burdock Tea

The burdock tea is effective in curing the symptoms of indigestion.

Medicinal Value of Comfrey Tea

Experts are of the opinion that this herb should be used sparingly as it can cause liver damage. Externally, comfrey is meant to be taken only in the form of tea which can help in curing or healing coughs, ulcers, broken bones, bruises, sprains and asthma too.

Medicinal Value of Elm Tea

Tea prepared from the elm leaves or powder is an excellent cure for sore throat.

Medicinal Value of Raspberry Tea

Tea prepared from the raspberry leaves and when gargled can also help in soothing throat irritations and in curing the throat inflammations.

Medicinal Value of Cardamom Tea

Cardamom tea is considered very effective for treating respiratory tract infection and in comforting a sore throat or nauseatic conditions.

As you can see, there is remarkable medicinal value of tea whether black, green, white, oolong or herbal. Dr Jack F Bukowski from the Harvard Medical School is of the opinion that if you cannot consider tea as a cure for various health problems, you can at least take it as a vitamin that can boost your immune system. Much of tea drinking contributes to a healthy heart which is proof of both life and death!! So drink tea for health, wisdom and happiness.